scarcely

adverb

ˈskers-lē How to pronounce scarcely (audio)
Definition of scarcelynext
1
as in barely
by a very small margin was scarcely able to walk after the near-fatal accident

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in no
certainly not I scarcely think that one person being sick is an "epidemic"

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of scarcely All four were victorious, their religious affiliations scarcely noted. — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 12 Aug. 2026 But there’s something about the failures of The Last House that feel like an encapsulation of the state of American film in all its rudderless mediocrity in which humanity is scarcely explored and artistry is rarely found. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026 The legacy of Cold War innovation Not every secret Cold War project succeeded, but many reshaped military technology in ways their creators could scarcely have imagined. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026 The great mystery of the Iran war is why that hasn’t happened—why, nearly five months later, oil prices have scarcely surpassed $100, even as countries around the world have been forced to dip into their oil reserves. — Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for scarcely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scarcely
  1. barely
  2. no
  3. slightly
  4. never
  5. just
  6. hardly
Adverb
  • The applause barely stopped, and the crowd sang along to every word as well as danced in their seats throughout the entire two-and-a-half-hour show.
    — Nada Aboul Kheir, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026
  • That’s a lot to think about barely two months away from a consequential midterm election in which voters will choose a new second-in-command.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of barely
Adverb
  • By North Carolina’s historical standards, the answer should be no, but the bar has been lowered so much that a trip to a bottom-tier bowl feels like a victory.
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Cole rummaged through an archival box and pulled out a notebook that was no bigger than a business card.
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of no
Adverb
  • This pick has a slightly boxy cut and just-so crop, which feels modern without requiring you to flash your belly button to the masses.
    — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Everyone in Los Angeles apologized to me about the weather, which was warm, breezy, and ever so slightly overcast—in short, perfect.
    — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of slightly
Adverb
  • Former mayor Harry Sidhu went to prison on corruption charges, and the two parties never re-engaged on talks.
    — Sam Blum, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Peanut Butter Balls Homemade candy has never been easier, thanks to this four-ingredient recipe that’s ready in under an hour.
    — Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of never
Adverb
  • If physical gestures serve our relatives just fine, why did our own branch of the family tree gradually favor biological changes in our brains and anatomy that permitted our characteristic complexities in language and precision in speech?
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Unsurprisingly, the Elie Saab H&M collection plays up after-dark glamour, and just in time for holiday party season, too.
    — Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of just
Adverb
  • There are hardly any other PHEVs that come close to BYD’s claim.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Set within its own natural lagoon on the southernmost tip of the Raa Atoll, the ocean stretches out as far as the eye can see, with hardly a blip separating sea, horizon, and sky.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of hardly

Browse Nearby Words

scarce
scarcely
scarceness
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Cite this Entry

“Scarcely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scarcely. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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